Becky Spencer to Chelsea-
Chelsea now has five keepers. Becky Spencer and Hannah Hampton will likely stay at Chelsea next season, and possibly Peng, with the possibility of Katie Cox and Fenke Liefth going on loan, the latter depending on her fitness level.
This will be the Jamaican Internationals' second permanent spell at the club after previously being with them from 2016 to 2018. She likely comes in as a relief for Hampton, who last season played every minute of the WSL season so that Spencer might take on some of the burden, especially in the early stages of the cups.
She spent the last three months of the 2024/25 season with the Blues, having temporarily switched from Spurs. She has since signed a permanent transfer with a one-year contract, with the option to extend by an additional year until 2027.
She came in as an emergency signing following the injury to Fenke Liefting, which ruled her out for the rest of the season and Zecira Musovic's pregnancy, meaning Chelsea had two keepers when they needed three.e
Spencer said: ‘I’m over the moon to be allowed to stay at this magical club; it's somewhere which has always felt like home for me.
'We have amazing fans, and I look forward to coming back into this environment permanently and working alongside the great goalkeepers' union we have.’
‘We are pleased to welcome Becky to the goalkeeping union permanently,’ said Paul Green, Chelsea's head of women's football.
‘Her experience will provide cover and enable the younger goalkeepers to pursue valuable development opportunities.
‘‘She settled in well during her loan and is a great character to have in the group. We all look forward to working with her again next season.’
In a tweet from 2018, Arsenal said, ‘We'd like to wish Chloe and Taylor good luck for the future.’ This was when the academy players left North London. Well, isn't it ironic that they, the same two players, sign a permanent contract back with the Gooners at the same transfer window?
Taylor moved back to the club where she had played in the academy at the age of 11 in 2010 after her contract with Liverpool expired. She is a versatile player capable of playing at both full-back and midfield.
Taylor’s break into the Arsenal first team came in the 2017/18 season, making her debut from the bench in our 7-0 League Cup win over London Bees in October 2017. A full debut followed in a 5-2 defeat of Millwall Lionesses in the same competition the following month.
When she left Arsenal in January 2018, she moved permanently to Everton, where she made 30 appearances over two and a half seasons before joining the other Merseyside team, Liverpool, in July 2020.
The Jamaican international played a crucial role in Liverpool's Championship title win in the 2021/22 season, and the following year, became vice-captain and secured a fourth-place WSL finish in the 2023/24 season.
In total, Taylor made 131 appearances in five seasons with Liverpool, scoring eight goals.
“I’m so proud to have signed for Arsenal,” said Taylor. “I want to push, compete and win trophies – and this club encompasses all of that both on and off the pitch. You can see the direction Arsenal is heading in, and everyone at the club wants to win.
“This is a full-circle moment for me, and I’m grateful to come back to a place I called home when I was younger. I can’t wait to get started and to step out on the pitch at Emirates Stadium in front of all our incredible supporters.”
Head Coach Renée Slegers said: “We’re delighted to welcome Taylor back to Arsenal. She’s a versatile player with extensive experience from multiple seasons in the WSL, having played for Liverpool, where she took on a leadership role. I’m excited to get started with Taylor on the training pitch, and I’m sure our supporters will join me in welcoming Taylor back to the club.”
Ashley Lawrence swapped with Ellie Carpenter from Chelsea to Lyon after two years at the south London club.
While at Chelsea, she won four titles, including two WSL titles, one League Cup and an FA Cup.
She made 60 appearances, scoring three goals and picking up eight assists as an attacking full-back.
Last season, she featured 30 times for Chelsea and helped them win an unbeaten domestic Treble in manager Sonia Bompastor's first season.
She moved to London after previously playing for PSG and was part of the squad that ended Lyons rn of 14 successive French titles in 2021.
This move comes with a swap of a fullback with Lyon, as Chelsea signed Ellie Carpenter this summer in return for Lawrence.
"Everyone at Chelsea would like to wish Ashley the very best for the future as she begins a new chapter in her career," the WSL club said in a statement announcing her departure.
Ellie Roebuck to Aston Villa
After recovering from a stroke, Ellie Roebcuk moved to Barcelona; however, ongoing injury prevented her from playing much at all for the side. She posted this on Instagram ahead of her departure.
“To Barcelona- My time as a player for this incredible club has come to an end. It's hard to put into words just how special this past year has been, one of the most meaningful of my career, for lots of reasons.
Wearing this shirt, walking out at the Johan, feeling the support of the fans... it's something I'll carry with me forever.
My teammates, thank you for making Barcelona feel like home from the very first day. Your support, friendship and belief meant more than you know.
This team is full of talent, heart, and ambition; there is no limit to what you can achieve. I'll be cheering you on always, now, as one of your biggest fans.
Siempre el Barça. Visca el Barça.
Gracies por todo.”
The 25 year old who won the Euros in 2022 and several major trophies during her time at Manchester City has signed a two year deal with Villa.
Director of Women’s Football, Marisa Ewer, said: “We are delighted that Ellie will be joining our club. “She is an exciting addition to the team and is a player with a lot of experience who can help drive our performance levels.”
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